Destroyers acquire all-AFL linebacker Steve Watson

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Destroyers have acquired linebacker Steve Watson and offensive lineman William Obeng from the San Jose SaberCats in exchange for offensive lineman Howard Duncan, General Manager and President Jim Renacci announced today.

Watson (6-3, 250, SW Missouri State) recorded 57.5 tackles (36UT-43AT), nine sacks, 8.5 tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles in 15 games with the SaberCats in 2008. He earned First Team All-AFL honors after finishing tied for fourth in the league in sacks and setting a San Jose single season record for assisted tackles, breaking the record of 33 he set the previous campaign.

In 2007, Watson recorded 59.5 tackles (43UT-33AT), two sacks, 3.5 tackles for a loss and one pass deflection in 12 games. He was named to the AFL All-Rookie Team and ranked third on the SaberCats in tackles. He also became the first player in AFL history to block two extra point attempts in a single playoff game, doing so July 7 vs. Colorado. In 2006, he earned First Team All-af2 honors after leading the league in sacks with 16.0 for the Arkansas Twisters.

Obeng (6-7, 335, San Jose State) started on the offensive line for San Jose in 15 games in his second AFL season in 2008 and played in 25 consecutive games from May 12, 2007-June 14, 2008. He spent time on the Minnesota Vikings and Oakland Raiders practice squads after earning San Jose State's Most Outstanding Lineman award in 2004.

Deposits are now being accepted for Destroyers season tickets for the 2009 season. For information on season tickets, call (614) 246-HITS (4487).